Historic Philadelphia

Essential Info

Welcome to Historic Philadelphia, the birthplace of the nation and the first World Heritage City in the U.S., as designated by the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC).

Historic Philadelphia, spanning from the Delaware River to 7th Street and from Vine Street to Lombard Street, is rich in history — after all, this district was the heart of Philadelphia's original city.

But it’s also home to buzzed-about restaurants and beer gardens, owner-operated boutiques, pushing-the-boundaries art galleries and more.

The bell that was later named the Liberty Bell was initially used to call the Pennsylvania Assembly to meetings. It was soon adopted by abolitionists, suffragists, Civil Rights advocates, Native Americans, immigrants, war protestors and others as their symbol. Visitors can tour the Liberty Bell Center for free year-round. The Liberty Bell Center is part of the U.S. National Park Service and Independence National Historical Park.

In Independence Hall in 1776, the Founding Fathers came together to sign the Declaration of Independence and, 11 years later, write the U.S. Constitution. Guided tours of the hall are available to visitors year-round. Free, timed tickets are required and can be picked up at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market streets. Tours can sell out before noon, so plan accordingly. Independence Hall is part of the U.S. National Park Service and Independence National Historical Park.

The all-in-one Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market streets serves as a clearinghouse of information and a box office for free timed tickets to Independence Hall. It’s also the spot to ask real, live experts for Philly tips.

Getting Here: Historic Philadelphia is conveniently located in the center of Philadelphia, from the Delaware River to 7th Street and from Vine Street to Lombard Street. Check out our Getting Here guide for more information.

Parking: There are a number of parking garages and lots available in Historic Philadelphia, including at the Independence Visitor Center, the National Constitution Center and the National Museum of American Jewish History. Check the Philadelphia Parking Authority's site for more info on garage parking. On-street parking is also available in the district.

Walking: Foot power is the best way to discover the side streets and quaint alleys of Historic Philadelphia. Fortunately, navigating the city is easy. Numbered streets run north/south, and named streets run east/west.

PHLASH: Tour all of Center City on the purple PHLASH bus, running every 15 minutes in season and making four stops in Historic Philadelphia. Get your tickets at the Independence Visitor Center or pay on board.

Indego: Indego, the pay-as-you-go bike-share program with six locations in Historic Philadelphia, makes cycling a fun way to see the city.

SEPTA: SEPTA's Market-Frankford public transit line stops at 2nd Street near the waterfront attractions and at 5th Street by the historic sites, and more than a dozen buses run through the area.

The Official Historic Philadelphia Trail

The birthplace of the nation is rich in history — lots and lots of history. But how do you decide what exactly to do?

Consider this your essential 24-stop guide to Historic Philadelphia, from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall to Franklin Square and Penn's Landing.

Download A Map Of The Official Trail

Plot your trip through Historic Philadelphia with a map of the official trail. Click the button below to access a page where you can download a PDF courtesy of Where Magazine as well as the latest edition of the Historic Philadelphia Gazette.